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Friday, January 4, 2013

TIAR Awards: Men’s Player of the Year, Chris Wyles

Chris Wyles is the kind of player that any coach wants on his team. That is why he is consistently picked to start for the Saracens and why he has become such an integral part of the Eagles (the only loss of the fall tour occurred when Wyles was out). Every time he steps out onto the pitch he does everything that is asked of him. He defends, he communicates, and he makes smart runs. He also is fiercely protective of his teammates and a leader on and off the pitch. One of Wyles’s best attributes is his patriotism for the U.S. every time he puts on the shirt.

During this last year Wyles was a key part of the Saracens team that finished third in the Premiership and the top of their pool in the Heineken Cup (they lost in the quarterfinals). The Saracens are currently second in the Premiership and are once again topping their Heineken Cup pool. In regards to the Eagles, Wyles showed this year that he is as important to the team as any player and was a big reason for the team picking up their first .500 record since 2003.

Well, it's a big deal. Sure they faced only one Tier I opponent this year (unless you count Tonga which has a better ranking that Scotland) but they had to win those matches. They've had plenty of opportunities since 2003 to have a .500 record but they haven't done it. All in all, I say it means something in that it shows the team is progressing. It certainly doesn't mean little. But to each his own.

Sorry, watching those games even though we won was not good rugby. the Eagles continue to leave players off and add former soccer players and nfl regects. Until we can get players like Samu Manoa out we will be lame.